The perfect place for a family or group of friends who like plenty of space. Both houses are unique and complement each other - one represents quiet antiquity, with thick stone walls and a shaded pergola running along the front, whilst the other is tastefully modern, with fabulous views and high sloping pine ceilings - with bi-fold doors opening onto a large salt-water pool, with panoramic views all around.
Quinta da Tapada is a working vineyard, producing red and white wine. It rents out a large tastefully decorated apartment on its ground floor with the beautiful Pool House a minute's walk away, down a short flight of steps.
The apartment has 3 bedrooms (2 double bedrooms, one with a super king size bed, and one twin bedroom) and 2 bathrooms (each with showers), a large sitting room/kitchen and a patio next to the BBQ. Gardens, planted with orange and lemon trees, all around.
Recently the old wine house has been converted into a stunning events/party room, with magical lighting.
The apartment's kitchen has an attractive island, with induction hob and cooker below.
Outside the spacious living room door is a large patio area, with a BBQ to the side. The main garden is in front, with cedar, plum and orange trees. There is an extra table and chairs in this garden, where you can sit and admire the stunning view.
The Pool House has a double bedroom (Queen size bed), a twin bedroom and 2 bathrooms (one off the hallway, and one on a terrace near the pool), with a fully equipped kitchen/living room (with sofa and TV) and an extra dining/ sitting area with wall-mounted TV on the veranda. There are 2 sofas here and the table comfortably seats 8. The bi-fold doors open up to a stunning vista, with the pool (salt water and measuring 12m x 6m) right in front of you and a stunning view over the mountains and valleys. There are sun loungers, tables and chairs in the garden, with a herb garden next to the BBQ. The pool is illuminated at night, which together with the twinkling lights from the valley, makes for a magical setting.
Both houses have a wood burner and central heating. They also have satellite TV, showing all the English channels, and have DVD players and HIFi systems.
All 4 bathrooms have showers and are beautifully decorated. The owners provide toiletries.
Both kitchens are like home from home - with a washing machine, dishwasher, cooker, microwave, fridge-freezer, a large selection of plates, cutlery, cups, glasses and cooking utensils. In fact there are enough glasses to be able to hold a fun wine tasting in the old Wine House. Why not go to the newly opened (and magnificent) Municipal Market in Braga, pick up wine, cheese, olives, dried fruit and nuts - and come home to enjoy a little party?
Guests always arrive to a welcoming snack and are treated to wine from the farm. They are also able to help themselves to whatever fruit is in season - oranges, lemons, kiwis in the winter and plums in the summer.
The owners have a small number of hens and guests are offered free-range eggs - subject to availability!
Towels are provided for inside and for the pool. Sheets are changed weekly.
Behind the house are woodland walks to Sameiro and Bom Jesus (with beautiful gardens, fountains and walks). Braga is 15 minutes drive away and Guimarães is 20 minutes away.
For walkers, another excellent outing is to Citânia de Briteiros, an Iron Age settlement near the house. And, it's possible to pick up parts of the Santiago de Compostela trail, near the house.
The spa town of Taipas is 5 minutes way - with 'Taipas Termal' offering spa treatments of every kind. It has an indoor heated pool, jacuzzi, sauna, Turkish bath, every type of massage, facials etc.
The beaches at Esposende, Apúlia and Ofir are 30 minutes away. Apúlia is famous for its fish restaurants. Ofir for its surf - children/adults of all levels can take lessons.
2 minutes away from the house is a restaurant, with excellent Portuguese cuisine at a reasonable price. There is a selection of restaurants near the house, not to mention cafes....(although the breadman, who comes to the house, has cakes in his van too...)
The surrounding villages have a rustic market one day a week, selling fruit and vegetables, pottery, cheeses, hams and olives! Market day for Taipas is Monday, Braga is Tuesday, Barcelos is Thursday, Guimarães is Friday. And the new Braga indoor Municipal Market is every day, except Sunday.
Before coming, Virginia sends guests an updated list of 'Things to see and do in the area' - there is something for everyone, but most people are very happy just sitting outside, admiring the view, reading a novel, having a swim, enjoying a glass of vinho verde - to the chime of the church bells down below in the village of Longos.
